ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Ministry of Railways
Shri Ashwani Lohani reviews The Food Safety System over Indian Railways
Series of Reformative Steps to be Initiated in a Month period
All Vendors to be Covered Under Online Food Licence Registration System
A high level meeting to improve catering facility and food safety at stations and trains was chaired by Chairman, Railway Board, Shri Ashwani Lohani, with CMD , Food Safety Commissioner & CEO , Additional Member , Railway Board, Director General , Railway Board & other Senior officials in Rail Bhavan today. To improve catering facility, it has been decided that series of reformative steps shall be initiated. All vendors who sell any article of food himself or a petty retailer, hawker, temporary stall holder or such food business including small scale or cottage or tiny food businesses with an annual turnover not exceeding Rs. 12 Lacs or whose production capacity of food does not exceed 100 Kg./ Ltrs per day shall require registration with FSSAI. License in mandatory for food business operators involved in catering services having annual turnover of more than Rs. 12 Lacs per year. It has been decided that online registration for vendors will start within 15 days.
It has been decided in the meeting that Food Safety Officer  will cover in each Division of Indian Railways and also 300 Health Inspectors across Indian Railways shall be deployed to undertake the work of Food Safety Officer and assist them. It has been decided to create a data bank of caterers and food suppliers over Indian Railways by 15th of July, 2018 having details of vendors, online registration details & sample test done. DRM and Sr. DCM shall be the in-charge of the data bank at divisional level and CCM/ Catering at zonal level. FSSAI and Indian Railways have decided to adopt a revised protocol for sample selection for food sample test, frequency of data collection will increase and surprise sample collection will be included in data bank. Mobile App will be developed for sample collection with the technology of geo tagging. Decision has been taken for third party audit of vendors.
Ministry of Science & Technology
SCTIMST to organize commercial launch of Agappe Chitra Magna for detection of COVID 19
The commercial launch of, Agappe Chitra Magna, a magnetic nanoparticle-based RNA extraction kit for use during testing for detection of COVID-19 developed by Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology  - Trivandrum, an Institute of National Importance of the Department of Science and Technology  along with Agappe Diagnostics Ltd, an in vitro diagnostics manufacturing company based in Cochin is being organized on May 21, 2020, at 4.30 PM.
The launch programme is being organized by SCTIMST in collaboration with Agappe Diagnostics Ltd at the Biomedical Technology Wing of SCTIMST.
Dr. VK Saraswat, NITI Aayog member and President of Institute Body of SCTIMST, and Prof. Ashutosh Sharma, Secretary, DST, Govt of India, will participate in the commercial launch of Agappe Chitra Magna, through video conferencing. Dr. VK Saraswat will formally announce the commercial launch, which would be followed by the first sale of the product by Mr. Thomas John, Managing Director, Agappe Diagnostics, to officials from Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences, Kochi.
Inexpensive, fast, and accurate testing for COVID-19 virus is the cornerstone of containing its spread and providing appropriate help to the infected.The Chitra Magna, an innovative RNA extraction kit developed by SCTIMST under the leadership of senior scientist, Dr. Anoopkumar Thekkuveettil, was transferred to Agappe Diagnostics in April 2020, and will now be available in the market as Agappe Chitra Magna RNA Isolation Kit. This product has been independently validated at National Institute of Virology for Covid19 RNA isolation. Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation  has given approval for the commercialization of this kit. The kit can be used for RNA extraction for RT-LAMP, RT-qPCR, RT-PCR and other isothermal and PCR based protocols for the detection of SARS-COV-2.
It uses an innovative technology for isolating RNA using magnetic nanoparticles to capture the RNA from the patient sample. The magnetic nanoparticle beads bind to the viral RNA and, when exposed to a magnetic field, give a highly purified and concentrated RNA. As the sensitivity of the detection method is dependent on getting an adequate quantity of viral RNA, this innovation enhances the chances of identifying positive cases.
It is estimated that India would require about 8 lakh RNA extraction kits per month during the next six months, and Agappe Chitra Magna RNA Isolation Kit priced around Rs. 150 per kit is expected to reduce the cost of testing and the country’s dependence on imported kits which cost around Rs 300. Agappe Diagnostics has a manufacturing capacity of 3 lakh kits per month.
Ministry of Defence
‘Agnipath’ Recruitment Rally from November 22 to December 11, 2022
The recruitment rally of Army Recruiting Office, Kolhapur is being conducted under Agnipath Scheme at Sports Ground, Shivaji University Kolhapur from November 22 to December 11, 2022. The main aim of the recruitment rally is to generate employment for the youth of Maharashtra and Goa, thereby giving them an opportunity to serve the motherland and lead a dignified life.
Recruitment is being conducted for Agniveer General Duty , Agniveer Technical, Agniveer Clerk/Store Keeper Technical/InventoryManagement , Agniveer Tradesman   and Agniveer Tradesman    categories. This rally is applicable to candidates who are domiciles of five districts of Kolhapur, Satara, Sangli, Sindhudurg and Ratnagiri of Maharashtra State and North Goa and South Goa of Goa State.
Candidates are required to register and apply online on the Indian Army website www.joinindianarmy.nic.in and Admit Card of candidates who have successfully registered themselves online will be sent on their e-mail ID. Registration for Army Recruitment Rally in Kolhapur opens from August 05, 2022 till September 03, 2022.
Prospective candidates will be screened District and Tehsil wise as per date mentioned on their Admit Card. All candidates appearing for the rally should be fully vaccinated for COVID-19. These candidates will be biometrically verified and Admit Cards for the rally will be scanned before allowing candidates to undergo an actual selection test which is in three phases – Physical Tests, Medical Tests and Common Entrance Examination . Those candidates found physically and medically fit will undergo the Common Entrance Examination  on January 15, 2023. The candidates selected in the final merit will then be called upon to join the Indian Army as AGNIVEER for service to the Nation.
Candidates are advised to ensure to follow correct procedure while registering on the internet. They should carry documents given in the notification like original education certificates, adequate number of copies of photographs, valid affidavit as per format, domicile, caste certificate etc. “No candidates will be allowed entry into the rally without a correctly filled Affidavit”. Candidates in their own interest must carry out basic medical pre inspection at their end. Any temporary medical condition like presence of wax in the ears etc must be corrected before arrival at the rally site. These actions will enable smooth participation of the youth in the recruitment rally and will facilitate Army authorities in flawless conduct of the rally. Army authorities advise all candidates not to fall prey to touts as the entire recruitment process is very fair and transparent. Any tout approaching any candidate, the candidate immediately must apprise military officials/Police.
For any further queries candidates may drop their queries on www.joinindianarmy.nic.in or contact landline No. 0231-2605491.
Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways
Major Ports Register Positive Growth of 5.13%
The Major ports in India have recorded a growth of 5.13% and together handled 288.38 Million Tonnes of cargo during the period April to August, 2018 as against 274.32 Million Tonnes handled during the corresponding period of previous year.
For the period from April-August 2018, nine Ports Kolkata , Paradip, Visakhapatnam, Kamarajar, Chennai, Cochin, New Mangalore, JNPT and Deendayal have registered positive growth in traffic.
Cargo traffic handled at Major Ports: The highest growth was registered by Kamarajar Port , followed by Deendayal Port , Paradip , Cochin  and Kolkata .
- Kamarajar Port growth was mainly due to increase in Other Misc. cargo by 24.98%, other liquids by 20.45%, POL by 13.82% and Thermal & Steam Coal by 8.8 %.
- In Kolkata Port, overall growth was 9.01%. Kolkata Dock System  registered traffic growth of 6.54%. Whereas Haldia Dock Complex  registered a growth of 10.13%.
- During the period April to August 2018, Deendayal  Port handled the highest volume of traffic i.e. 48.9 Million tonnes , followed by Paradip with 44.79 Million tonnes , followed by JNPT with 28.99 Million Tonnes , Visakhapatnam with 26.94 Million Tonnes , Kolkata  with 25.44 Million Tonnes . Together, these ports handled around 61% of Major Port Traffic.
- Commodity-wise percentage share of POL was maximum i.e. 33.09%, followed by Container , Thermal & Steam Coal , Other Misc. Cargo , Coking & Other Coal , Iron Ore & Pellets , Other Liquid , Finished Fertilizer  and FRM .
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
COVID - 19 Vaccination Update - Day 416
India’s cumulative vaccination coverage crosses 179 Crore landmark milestone
More than 18 lakh Vaccine doses administered today till 7 pm
India’s COVID-19 vaccination coverage has crossed 179 Crore landmark milestone  today. More than 18 lakh  Vaccine Doses have been administered till 7 pm today. More than 2.07 Crore  Precaution Doses for the identified categories of beneficiaries  for COVID vaccination have been administered so far. The daily vaccination tally is expected to increase with the compilation of the final reports for the day by late tonight.
The cumulative coverage of vaccine doses, segregated based on population priority groups, is as follows:
|
|
Cumulative Vaccine Dose Coverage
|
|
HCWs
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
10402197
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
9977321
|
|
Precaution Dose
|
|
4256605
|
|
FLWs
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
18410616
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
17463033
|
|
Precaution Dose
|
|
6403967
|
|
Age Group 15-18 years
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
55481332
|
|
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
31434778
|
|
Age Group 18-44 years
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
552710170
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
450630396
|
|
Age Group 45-59 years
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
202425853
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
181622958
|
|
Over 60 years
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
126525204
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
113108423
|
|
Precaution Dose
|
|
10075246
|
|
Cumulative 1st dose administered
|
|
965955372
|
|
Cumulative 2nd dose administered
|
|
804236909
|
|
Precaution Dose
|
|
20735818
|
|
Total
|
|
1790928099
Today’s achievement in the vaccination exercise, segregated by population priority groups, is as follows:
|
|
Date: 7th March, 2022 
|
|
HCWs
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
63
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
1230
|
|
Precaution Dose
|
|
10066
|
|
FLWs
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
114
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
2246
|
|
Precaution Dose
|
|
14331
|
|
Age Group 15-18 years
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
73673
|
|
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
464347
|
|
Age Group 18-44 years
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
105232
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
774262
|
|
Age Group 45-59 years
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
16629
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
175309
|
|
Over 60 years
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
10651
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
110640
|
|
Precaution Dose
|
|
66174
|
|
Cumulative 1st dose administered
|
|
206362
|
|
Cumulative 2nd dose administered
|
|
1528034
|
|
Precaution Dose
|
|
90571
|
|
Total
|
|
1824967
The vaccination exercise as a tool to protect the most vulnerable population groups in the country from COVID-19 continues to be regularly reviewed and monitored at the highest level.
Ministry of Finance
DRI surveillance leads to seizure of heroin worth Rs 35 crore at Mumbai Airport
Mumbai, 11 November 2022
Based on specific intelligence received by the officers of the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence, Mumbai, that some Narcotic Drugs are being smuggled into India by a Passenger who was traveling from Nairobi to Mumbai today , surveillance was mounted by a team of DRI officers at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport Mumbai.
The suspected passenger was identified and intercepted by the team of DRI officers when he crossed the green channel. A thorough search of his baggage led to the recovery of 4.98 kg of off-white substance in powder form. On testing, it indicated the presence of Heroin.
The Heroin was ingeniously concealed in a black polythene bag beneath the false cavity created in the trolley bag in order to make it extremely difficult to detect.
The illicit international market value of the contraband is Rs 35 Crores . Further investigation in the instant case is under progress to unearth and neutralize the international drug smuggling syndicate behind this.| PIB Mumbai | Sriyanka/Darshana
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Ministry of Education
Government is committed to provide quality innovative education to all the students which paves the way for multi-faceted development – Shri Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’
Union HRD Minister felicitates 87 meritorious students in New Delhi
Union Minister for Human Resource Development Shri Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank felicitated 87 meritorious students from across the country here today. These students also witnessed the Republic Day Parade in National capital today. The students were awarded with a Certificate of Appreciation by the Minister to encourage them to achieve new heights in future. Secretary, MHRD, Shri Amit Khare and senior officials of the Ministry were present on the occasion.
Speaking on the occasion Shri Pokhriyal said that the students are the future of the country and the responsibility of creating a new and prosperous India is on them. He said that the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi said that the on completion of 100 years of independence, the students will provide leadership in various fields and that will be a moment of pride for us.
Shri Pokhriyal highlighted that India has one of the world's largest education systems with over 1000 universities, 40000 colleges, 10725 standalone institutes, more than 1 crore teachers, 16 lakh schools and 34.6 million  students. He added that India has largest number of youth population and this strength can make the country a global superpower and an economic giant. He added that the government has set an ambitious target of achieving a 50%  gross enrollment ratio compared to the current 26.5% in higher education by 2030 to equip its working population with employable skills.
He said that some scholars have described education as a Parasmani, which is an excellent universal means of achieving the goal and purpose of life. He added that the Government is committed to provide quality innovative education to all the students which paves the way for multi-faceted development. The Minister extended his best wishes to the students in the coming examinations.
Every year Ministry of Defence requests MHRD to invite toppers to witness the Republic Day Parade. Accordingly, this Ministry seeks list of toppers from CBSE and Various Universities and Institutes from all over the Country. From the list provided by the CBSE and University/ Institute, the Ministry selects a student from each CBSE region  and University/Institutions who have secured maximum marks and figured at top position in the list.
Ministry of Development of North-East Region
44 visits made by the Prime Minister to the North Eastern States from 2017-22.
The details of the visits made by the Prime Minister as available on the website  indicate the year-wise details of visits made by the Prime Minister to the North Eastern States from the year 2017 onwards as under:-
|
|
Sl. No.
|
|
Year
|
|
Number of visits
|
|
1.
|
|
2017
|
|
04
|
|
2.
|
|
2018
|
|
11
|
|
3.
|
|
2019
|
|
11
|
|
4.
|
|
2020
|
|
01
|
|
5.
|
|
2021
|
|
09
|
|
6.
|
|
2022
|
|
08
This information was given by Minister of DoNER, Shri G. Kishan Reddy in a written reply in Rajya Sabha today.
Ministry of Defence
Covid-19 Evacuation Crew of IAF Helicopter Flight at AF Stn Carnicobar Endorsed the Adage Associated – Apatsu Mitram
The Andaman & Nicobar Islands, while being host to some of the most scenic islands on this planet, encounters myriad challenges for connectivity with the mainland in general and within the islands in particular. This predicament became more glaring and predominant during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic which necessitated prompt evacuation of patients from various Islands to Port Blair. The Indian Air Force helicopter flight at Air Force Station Carnicobar under the Andaman & Nicobar Command was entrusted the responsibility of airlifting critical patients to Port Blair and have flown numerous missions by day as well as night since June this year.
A dedicated team of pilots and technicians were earmarked as the COVID-19 Evacuation Crew and kept in a state of readiness round the clock so as to get airborne at short notice. The maintenance team have ensured high operational readiness of the helicopters by working 24x7 to enable safe evacuation flying. Strict COVID protocols and preventive measures were instituted for these Air Warriors which included stringent isolation for long periods so as to ensure the crew is available for ‘COVID Safe’ flying for evacuations at any time. Innovative measures by creation of partitions ensured that the patient and crew were isolated from each other thereby reducing the risk of the infection to the aircrew during the flight. Despite the physical and mental challenges, these motivated professionals displayed exemplary dedication to duty and have been the flying angels for our citizens evacuating nearly 34 COVID-19 patients by air since July 2020. In the past few months the helicopters have also been actively involved in medical evacuation of other critical patients and have evacuated patients which includes five ladies with complications in advance stages of pregnancy endorsing the adage associated with the helicopters of IAF – ‘Apatsu Mitram’ meaning a ‘Friend in Distress’.
The unit helicopters and crew continue to be in a heightened state of alertness and are ever prepared to provide yeoman service to our fellow citizens.
Ministry of Defence
Southern Command celebrates 129th Raising Day
The elite HQ Southern Command of Indian Army, located at Pune observed its 129th Raising Day on 01 Apr 2023, having been in service of the nation since 1895. On this historic occasion, rich tributes were paid to brave martyrs, who without any fear or remorse have laid down their lives in the service of the motherland.
Southern Command, is the oldest and the largest command of the Indian Army, covering nearly 40% of Indian landmass spread over eleven States and three Union Territories. This Command with its history & glorious traditions of over 129 years is a live example of valour, sacrifice & selfless service. Over the years, the Command has adapted itself rapidly to the changing operational milieu and has kept itself abreast of the contemporary technologies and best practices to further hone its core competencies.
The command has withstood the test of time and has successfully participated in various pre & post independence operations including the amalgamation of Junagarh & Hyderabad in 1947 - 48, liberation of Goa in 1961, Indo - Pak conflicts of 1965 & 1971, OP PAWAN and of late in OP VIJAY and OP PARAKRAM. Be it the Bhuj Earthquake, floods in Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana & Bengaluru, Cyclone Tauktae or the Morbi bridge collapse, the valiant soldiers without caring for their own lives, have stood by the people and shall continue to do so, at all times.
With its commitment to stand shoulder to shoulder with the masses, various events are being conducted in Command Zone where in people from all sections of society have been brought together to participate for common cause of environment protection, blood donation, improvement of education in Govt. Schools and outreach to remote villages. As a special gesture towards the Puneites, Army Bands are organising special displays and shows at Pune Race Course from 31 March to 02 April 23 to reaffirm Indian Army’s bond with the masses.
While conveying his compliments on the occasion, Lt Gen AK Singh, AVSM, YSM, SM, VSM, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Southern Command has exhorted all citizens and soldiers to work together towards accomplishing the mission of ‘Atma Nirbhar Bharat’.
Maj General Hirdesh Sahani, MG Medical HQ Southern Command paid homage on behalf of Lt Gen AK Singh Army Commander Southern Command at Southern Command War Memorial.
Ministry of Defence
Indigenously-developed Laser-Guided ATGM successfully tested by DRDO & Indian Army
Indigenously-developed Laser-Guided Anti-Tank Guided Missile  was successfully test-fired from Main Battle Tank  Arjun by Defence Research and Development Organisation  and Indian Army at KK Ranges with support of Armoured Corps Centre & School  Ahmednagar on June 28, 2022. In the test, the ATGM hit the bull’s eye with textbook precision and successfully defeated the target at minimum ranges. Telemetry systems recorded the satisfactory flight performance of the missile.
The all-indigenous ATGM employs a tandem High Explosive Anti-Tank  warhead to defeat Explosive Reactive Armour  protected armoured vehicles. The ATGM has been developed with multi-platform launch capability and is currently undergoing technical evaluation trials from 120 mm rifled gun of MBT Arjun.
Engaging the targets at lower ranges is a challenge due to the dimensional constraints of tank launched ATGMs, which has been successfully accomplished by the ATGM for MBT Arjun. With the trial, the ATGM’s capability to engage targets from minimum to maximum range has been established. Earlier the trials have been successful for maximum range.
Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh has congratulated DRDO and Indian Army for the successful trial of the Laser Guided ATGM and said that development of this system is an important step towards realising Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision of ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’.
Secretary, Department of Defence R&D and Chairman DRDO Dr G Satheesh Reddy congratulated the teams involved in design, development and trial of the system. He stated that successful development of laser guided ATGM will enhance the fire power of the MBT Arjun.
ABB/Savvy
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Ministry of Defence
Indian Navy Signs MoU for offshore Data with Geological Survey of India
Indian Navy has signed a Memorandum of Understanding  with Geological Survey of India  for ‘Sharing of seabed sediments data, products and expertise for Naval Application in Meteorology and Oceanography’. The MoU was signed today between Commodore AA Abhyankar, who heads Indian Navy’s Oceanology and Meteorology Directorate and Shri N Maran, Deputy Director General of GSI.
GSI’s Marine and Coastal survey Division based at Mangaluru has mapped most of India’s 2.1 Million km2 Exclusive Economic Zone and has a vast repository of offshore data. This data collected using GSI’s state-of-the-art oceanic research vessels Samudra Manthan, Samudra Kaustubh, Samudra Shaudhikama and Samudra Ratnakar, will now be used by Indian Navy’s rapidly growing blue water fleet for reliable and accurate oceanographic modeling to support their expansive maritime operations in the Indian Ocean region
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VM/ MS
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